How Self-Compassion Can Transform the Way You Handle Anxiety
Self-compassion is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. It is the act of showing yourself grace, the same kindness and understanding that you would show a close friend or loved one.
Showing compassion for yourself might not seem complicated, but it's often easier said than done. Many people struggle with supporting themselves the way they support others. They might obsess over their own mistakes or constantly judge and criticize themselves. Those who struggle with anxiety might have a particularly hard time with this.
Fortunately, self-compassion is something that can be practiced and improved upon. In addition, it can be especially helpful for people who struggle with anxiety. Let's take a closer look at how self-compassion can transform the way you handle anxiety.
Reduce Negative Self-Talk
Anxiety can cause people to fixate on what they feel is going wrong in their lives or the mistakes they've made. Negative self-talk can be difficult to shake off. It can be a loud and persistent voice that wants nothing but to remind you of your failures and justify negative feelings you have about yourself.
The negative self-talk mindset can prevent you from seeing all of the good that is in your life, as well as the positive contributions that you're making. Replacing self-criticism and judgment with self-compassion can help turn those negative thoughts into more positive ones.
Promote Connection
Practicing self-compassion can help you realize that you're not alone in struggling with anxiety. Anxiety is an emotion that almost everyone feels at some point, just like happiness, sadness, and anger.
Self-compassion can help you see that you aren't alone in struggling with anxiety. The knowledge that many other people also have similar difficulties can bring you closer to others and make you feel less alone.
Become More Mindful
Becoming more self-compassionate is often accomplished with the help of various mindfulness techniques. The main principle behind mindfulness involves connecting with the present moment and what's happening inside your own body and mind.
An increased awareness of your own thoughts and feelings is a powerful resource to manage anxiety and comes with real benefits. People who have more experience with mindfulness are better prepared to respond to challenging situations calmly and confidently.
Practice Acceptance
Self-compassion can help you realize and accept the fact that progress isn't linear. No one is perfect, and mistakes are inevitable. In fact, mistakes are what help you learn and grow.
Once you're able to accept the fact that mistakes are bound to happen every now and then, approaching challenging situations becomes easier. You won't be as worried about failing because you'll know that these failures are just opportunities to learn and grow.
How to Practice Self-Compassion
Becoming more compassionate with yourself might seem like a challenging task. The beginning of the journey is often the most difficult part - but practice makes perfect. The more you practice self-compassion in your daily life, the easier it will become. Here are a few different ways you can practice self-compassion to help relieve anxiety:
Celebrate small wins
Incorporate mindfulness into your routine
Learn and use deep breathing exercises
Repeat positive affirmations
Schedule time to practice self-care
Spend time with loved ones
Write in a journal
Reach Out for Additional Support
As you become more self-compassionate, remember to be patient with yourself. It's going to take some effort and time. Start off small and build up from there. It can be helpful to remember that you are not alone in your struggles.
Consider reaching out to a therapist for additional support if you're still struggling with low self-esteem and being too critical of yourself. A licensed mental health professional will be able to equip you with the tools to build more self-compassion. I’m here for you when you're ready. Reach out today to get started with anxiety counseling.